The Federal Government has clarified that Nigeria’s land borders are not closed and therefore cannot be described as requiring reopening.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the clarification in a statement issued in response to comments by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on his plans to reopen Nigeria’s land borders if elected President in 2027.
The Minister, who supervises the Nigeria Immigration Service, said several major border crossings had already been reopened under previous and current administrations.
He recalled that Seme, Illela, Maigatari and Mfum borders were reopened in December 2020, while Idiroko and Ikom were reopened for goods and services in April 2022.
He added that Kamba and Tsamiya borders in Kebbi State were reopened in February 2026, linking Nigeria with Niger Republic and Benin Republic.
On the borders with Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Benin, the Minister explained that some closures were security-driven and did not arise from the 2019 trade policy.
He said the closure of the Banki and Amchidé crossings on the Nigeria-Cameroon border dated back to 2014 following Boko Haram insurgency, while subsequent reopening followed joint military and stabilisation efforts by Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
Tunji-Ojo cautioned against presenting the separate issues of trade regulation and counter-insurgency as one continuous border shutdown.
He acknowledged that some northern crossings remain subject to tighter controls due to banditry and residual insurgent activities.
According to him, such restrictions are deliberate security measures aimed at protecting traders and border communities.
The Minister stressed that modern border management involves a balance of security, proper documentation, customs compliance and controlled trade facilitation, rather than a choice between total closure and unrestricted movement.
He therefore urged political actors with alternative border policies to clearly outline their proposals and explain how they differ from the current approach
